All Arts. All the Time.
We listen, learn, and share in appreciation of being alive. We are not perfect. But we believe in open minds and hearts...
the HocTok Team
the HocTok Team
Audacity
by HocTok
Have the Audacity to dream even if others think they have the power to dictate your journey. They do not. You carve your own path with help from a reliable circle of people who love and value you. You choose your seat at the table. You pick the table, too. You can do it. You deserve to get there wherever there is as along as it’s rooted in love and not hate.
Have the Audacity to hope even if you come from the wrong side of town anywhere in the world. Some will try to crush you. “You come from an obscure place,” they will say. They may make fun of your name and your appearances. They will try to erase your story. They will dismiss your origin. Pay no attention to any of that nonsense. Work. Achieve. Reach for the stars. Once your starlight is unmissable, they will call you exotic. They will call you inspiring especially because of your humble beginnings. They will shower you with praise. They may ask you to friend them.
Have the Audacity to hope even if you come from the wrong side of town anywhere in the world. Some will try to crush you. “You come from an obscure place,” they will say. They may make fun of your name and your appearances. They will try to erase your story. They will dismiss your origin. Pay no attention to any of that nonsense. Work. Achieve. Reach for the stars. Once your starlight is unmissable, they will call you exotic. They will call you inspiring especially because of your humble beginnings. They will shower you with praise. They may ask you to friend them.
Photo by Nappy
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Photo by Bestbe Models
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Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly. Keep in mind that success is not measured only in shiny degrees from ivy leagues and loads of hardware. Don’t look for validation from self-serving characters of no character even if they try to intimidate you from their bully pulpit. Some will throw you off a cliff in a heartbeat if given the chance and they will paint themselves as a poor victim or the savior of humanity. Focus. Just follow the light.
Have the Audacity to make your mark. Don’t shy away from challenges. Ask for help. Lend a hand. Believe in magic. But always work hard and take pride in being kind and doing good. Lead the way seeking solutions to pressing problems that affect us all. In the words of Arisa White, make every day a good day finding ways to define your life not based on default settings. Have the Audacity to define you.
Juneteenth and June 20 only: enjoy Alvin Singleton's Music performed by Momenta Quartet
Have the Audacity to make your mark. Don’t shy away from challenges. Ask for help. Lend a hand. Believe in magic. But always work hard and take pride in being kind and doing good. Lead the way seeking solutions to pressing problems that affect us all. In the words of Arisa White, make every day a good day finding ways to define your life not based on default settings. Have the Audacity to define you.
Juneteenth and June 20 only: enjoy Alvin Singleton's Music performed by Momenta Quartet
Fellow Travellers
by Jesse Bethea
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Jesse Bethea is the author of Fellow Travellers. It is a science fiction/fantasy adventure about a community of time travellers that live in our world without us noticing. The story is quite interesting. It is well written and it truly transports you far away. No wonder it won the 2019 Great Novel Contest by the Ohio Writers’ Association. The writer, Jesse Bethea, is a busy creative. He does not sugarcoat things and he is not one to shy away from doing the work that it takes to complete any major project.
Writing a novel and sharing it with the world is not easy. It takes time and dedication. It takes discipline and grit. Jesse Bethea has those qualities and more. Read his Fellow Travellers but before jumping into that fun journey enjoy our conversation with the author first. Read more... |
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Grace and the Flesh-Eating Popcorn
by Vanessa Bernice De La Cruz
Vanessa Bernice De La Cruz is an emerging writer and artist from Los Angeles, CA. She has been writing since before she learned the alphabet - drawing doodles of well-known stories and writing gibberish underneath them to (unsuccessfully) sell them in a fenced backyard. She enjoys writing because it's a way of getting our dreams on paper and she's currently working on both a novel and a collection of short stories. You can connect with Vanessa here.
Searching for Jimmy Page
by Christy Alexander Hallberg
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Christy Alexander Hallberg is a writer, educator, traveler, music lover with a lot of heart and loads of enthusiasm for the works of art and people who inspire her. We connected with Christy to discuss her debut novel Searching for Jimmy Page, forthcoming from Livingston Press. It is a story of self-discovery as much as it is about healing and love. Celebrated author Liza Wieland praises Christy’s book. She writes,“In her wondrous first novel, Christy Hallberg gives us a mystery, a mother-daughter love story, a paean to rock and roll, and a window into the culture of eastern North Carolina, all joined seamlessly by the elegance and poetry of her writing.” Christy's debut book is like entering a world where layers of dense feelings and scores of mythical or admired characters open up new ways of understanding life and discovering more about the meaning of identity and memory.
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Add Searching for Jimmy Page to your reading list. Read our conversation with Christy Alexander Hallberg to see how passionate people operate and manage the highs and lows of life without filters and fakery.
Connecting with Your Own Soul
Quim Bové
Quim Bové is a philosopher and an artist based in LA. He is a city dweller with a love for the mystery of desert. He is a father and a grandfather who always seeks to find a healthy balance in life. Quim Bové is a great human being who never tires of working and experimenting in his studio while also observing and marveling at the endless beauty found in nature. It is truly inspiring to connect with Quim whose body of work reminds us that time and change are impossible to ignore and avoid.
Live your life to the fullest without paying attention to stress triggers of any kind. Enjoy our conversation with Quim Bove and see why his paintings and his view of the universe is what we need most right now.
Following Her Dream
Kiyomi Baird
"I prefer to let the viewer encounter my work directly without any prescribed narrative. My work is purposefully not didactic or message based. It rises up from my unconscious with minimal forethought or intentional manipulation. Ideally, it stirs a reaction in the viewer’s unconscious which they can ponder and interpret in their own way."
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Kiyomi Baird is a visual artist whose paintings are rooted in the Japanese and American cultures, flowing naturally from her unconscious, both personal and collective. The artist is in touch with her surroundings, absorbing and noticing every small change especially in nature. Kiyomi's body of work reflects a lively series of impressions that will make you stop and ponder the vastness of every passing moment. Ultimately, her art has the power to awaken the spiritual side of viewers including us. Read our conversation with Kiyomi Baird and peruse her paintings to obtain the right jolt of energy and spirituality to start your week. Make one of these paintings yours for a lasting effect.
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Metallic Heart
Liahona West
"Metallic Heart is a post-apocalyptic romance novel. It is that and more. It is a story about redemption, self-love, and learning how to navigate trauma." Liahona West is a new writer who deserves your attention today. Her love for literature is a lifelong endeavor. Her daily writing routine is what accentuates her superpowers. Liahona is a writer whose literary path is open and promising. Her debut novel Metallic Heart has garnered much praise for its accurate representation of relevant topics such as trauma, anxiety but also love. Check out our conversation with Liahona West and get her book.
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From the Edge of the World
Sebastian Oswald
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Do all the cool people live in Berlin? An experienced traveler and friend shared what was labeled a rhetorical question by some. Then, the majority in our humble abode voted and the final decision was that you will find cool people in every corner of the globe if you only have the patience and resources to search.
Sebastian Oswald gave us reason to take a virtual trip to Berlin. He is a composer, orchestrator and arranger who is busy with fantastic projects. If you are a fan of Apple Music then you have definitely come across Laurence Ipsum which is one of Sebastian's recent achievements. The Dr. Who Theme is another. |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Music, good talks, new ideas and plenty of love for nature are some meeting points with this talented musician. Sebastian is like a reliable friend who always has the most interesting stories to share and a hectic schedule to go with it but somehow still manages to remain grounded and approachable. His advice is to keep the head in the game, take your work seriously, but don’t let it get to your head. Have fun! Get lost into the woods sometimes. Lean on solid support when needed. Create! Share! Life is complex. Make it worthwhile for as long as it lasts. Listen to Sebastian Oswald’s music and read his conversation with us.
No Boundaries
Nailah Howze
Nailah Howze, also known as Cloud Nai, a native of Los Angeles, is a multifaceted artist. She is mostly known for her photography right now but her talents include music, event production and film. Her photography is gripping for it captures the unfiltered originality of real people whose lives deserve to be highlighted and celebrated.
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Nailah’s photography presents layers of stories, lives and characters that get the viewers’ full attention for all the right reasons in today's busy world. Nailah's ambition and dedication fuels her artistic spirit. She is a force to be reckoned with and we are here to cheer her on as she keeps reaching higher with good energy and a genuine smile.
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That Distinct Atmosphere
Roger Aplon
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A conversation with poet and writer Roger Aplon shows that embracing life in its natural hues helps when you are seeking purpose and joy. Roger is a poetic soul whose body of work presents a vibrant landscape of his life’s journey. Dare yourself to follow in this poet's footsteps by maintaining a healthy sense of adventure while also investing time and energy in your passions. Connect with a talented author who never shies away from complexity, while also adopting various styles of writing with rich colors and vitality.
Aplon says, “I don’t intentionally write ‘themed’ books but rather arrange my collections around the calendar: what has touched me, intrigued me, stimulated me – personally, politically and/or socially during this/that time.” There is plenty of amazing sights to see through the eyes of a writer who has dedicated his life to his craft and keeps finding joy in every passing moment because of it. |
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The Omnipotent Sorceror is one of Roger Aplon’s latest books but start with his talk with us for more.
No Secrets Allowed
Kana Wu
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Kana Wu is a romance writer. No Romance Allowed and No Secrets Allowed are her two published books that have received great reviews by readers around the world. Kana initially planned to write mystery novels. Then she had a change of heart and wrote two captivating romance books. Check them out!
Kana’s ideas keep flowing every hour of day and night. Another book is in the works. It will not be part of the storyline she has presented so far. Isn't it exciting to be waiting for more good writing by a familiar voice? |
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Talking to Kana Wu makes it clear that a writer’s life is a never-ending exploration of ideas and thoughts. Kana enjoys her daily activities as she keeps jotting down notes that might end up as another readers’ top pick.
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Choose Happiness
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Happiness is a choice. It is a statement that you should consider. You know Dalai Lama - of course you do. Do you know that he is one of the happiest people around? Do you care to hear how he achieves happiness? Then read his six tips to happiness and follow his advice.
1- Be Truthful 2- Don’t fall prey to anger and hatred 3- Overcome negative thoughts 4- Develop Compassion 5- Nurture your spiritual nature 6- Adjust your perspective Read more... |
Photo credit: Daria Shevtsova |
Soaring Together
Ryan Judd
Ryan Judd is a Billboard Chart Topping recording artist. He is an internationally known music therapist as well as a guitarist and composer. Listen to Ryan Judd’s music on your favorite music streaming platform. Do it right now and anytime you need to chill, meditate, or escape any sort of mental or emotional clutter. Ryan’s music is soothing and good for the soul. It can be easily considered an essential necessity in our modern lives.
Ryan is part of that amazing tribe of creative people who are true to their emotions, generous, welcoming, and interested in learning any chance they get. Read our conversation with Ryan to understand his creative journey and inspirations. Tap into your heart and let the tears roll if necessary and make sure to play Ryan’s music often.
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Turning in Time
Debra Kaye
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Music has always helped me steer through hard times and find comfort and peace. Composing also puts me in touch with my spirituality and intuition. Sometimes I jokingly say - music is my religion, I practice it.
These are the words of Debra Kaye, an award-winning New York composer whose music is relevant and rich in eclectic sounds. Kaye’s body of work draws inspiration from classical to jazz and beyond including her training in Dalcroze Eurhythmics. The composer is not only an observer of current events but she communicates and reacts to it all through her music. Debra Kaye is thinker with a big heart whose musical achievements serve as a fitting testament to the power of her music making abilities and talent. |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Kaye’s Turning in Time gets its world premiere in a special release by talented violinist and HocTok friend, Kinga Augustyn. Kinga Augustyn’s record, also titled, Turning in Time will be a great addition to your music library and it is something you will enjoy time and time again.
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Celebrating Alvin Singleton
Project 80
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Happy 2021! Start the New Year with our special concert: Momenta Quartet performing Alvin Singleton.
Alvin Singleton is the name of one of the most brilliant American composers you need to know. His music and his energy make the world a better place. On December 28, 2020, we celebrated Alvin Singleton’s 80th birthday in a very special way. Yes, there was a Zoom party but it was like none other you’ve attended all year long. Every participant was in a celebratory mood contributing to the overall atmosphere that was just perfect. The guest of honor, Alvin Singleton, was truly and happily surprised to see so many of his friends smiling and cheering for him. |
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Lisa Cooper, Alvin Singleton’s wife and masterful planner of beautiful surprises, was elated and proud. We also streamed a film with highlights of Alvin’s life through his music, words, and birthday wishes. It was a night to remember honoring the one and only: Alvin Singleton.
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5 Reasons to Buy & Read Prostituta
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1. Travel to a different time & place with characters facing relatable struggles.
2. Read different definitions of despair & ways of dealing with it. 3. Learn about survival & existential crises of various depths. 4. Be reminded that greed can be detrimental if left unchecked. 5. Keep the faith & preserve peace in any way, shape or form. Prostituta is a magnificent collection of stories by celebrated Albanian writer, Teodor Keko. Written between the late '80s to mid '90s, these seventeen tales – all of which have been translated into English for the first time – continue to remain relevant to this day. They display Keko’s complex world and unrivaled ability to see and seek the truth to help mankind learn from past mistakes. Keko’s stories range from humorous trips into strange existences to bittersweet tales of loss, from oppressive drills in utter despair to a lavish selection of human madness with a side of dark humor. |
Sola
Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti
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Sola is the title of the newest project that Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti shares with the world on this crisp December morning. It includes beautiful new music for viola and electronics performed by Anne and written by Icelandic composer, Anna Thorvaldsdottir.
In addition to the music, you will also get a chance to listen to a conversation between Anne, who commissioned the work as well as performed it, and Anna, the composer. You will learn about the composer's journey, process, and the music itself. |
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According to the composer, “Sola is inspired by abstract structural elements of solitariness in the midst of turmoil—by the desire of calm and focus in chaos.” As far as we are concerned, Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti is the artist whose music, words, and presence you need to make sense of whatever life throws your way. Buy and listen to Anne's and Anna's Sola and share it with loved ones to fill their buckets and yours. Enjoy!
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A Discerning Eye
Carol Orange
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Today is a brand new day for you to let go of your emotions and reach out for a good book, a mystery novel to read and enjoy. A Discerning Eye by Carol Orange is what we recommend. The story is linked to the shocking robbery at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. There is an amazing main character with a fantastic name: Portia Malatesta. Psychological profiling of the alleged mastermind behind the heist will keep you at the edge of your seat. You will read about FBI getting involved and Portia taking risky trips to the underworld of Medellin, Colombia. A Discerning Eye will give you a glimpse of a complicated web of politics, pride and ugly crimes, and it's all much better than reality TV.
Carol Orange is one of the most knowledgeable people in the art world and one of the nicest. She was an art dealer in New York, a gallery owner in Boston, an art book editor in London, a scholar in Paris and an explorer of beauty everywhere. She is one of the most exquisite people you will ever meet. |
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Carol has a soft spot for exotic places. She has friends all over the world because of her unique ability to connect with people of all backgrounds. Carol Orange is a storyteller whose writing you will fall in love with, and isn't that the best thing to do on a wonderful autumn day like today?
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XHOANA X
Inside her Castle while in Quarantine
Xhoana X is the singer-songwriter whose recently self-released song titled Castle is hauntingly beautiful and downright heartbreaking. Listen to Xhoana X’s sound and lyrics. Close your eyes. Get lost in the stream emotions that her music awakens and revives from the depths of your soul. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the saying goes. But some people’s beauty is undeniable as their inner light shines through in everything they do. Xhoana X is part of that tribe of fierce and enchanting humans whose presence is always in high demand for all they create and share with us.
If you have felt sad, lost, or totally confused recently, you’re not alone, now more than ever before. Still, do your best to keep hope alive and surround yourself with good people and creative energy. Let our conversation with Xhoana X serve as an intro to an amazing human whose music sips through the shadows of our collective sadness and lifts us up.
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On My Own
Shamir
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Shamir is a multihyphenate artist whose newest song On My Own has captivated many including us. His sound and lyrics are everything at this moment in time. Listen to his entire output. You’ll have plenty of reasons to fall in love with Shamir’s talent and appreciate the introvert with a big heart whose natural ability to connect with the wide world is easily felt through his music.
We are looking forward to his newest album scheduled for release in the fall. Until then, let Shamir's On My Own set the mood for the days ahead and read our conversation with him here. Read more... |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Marco Jemolo
Framed
Marco Jemolo is the man behind Framed. He is a filmmaker whose works strike a chord with audiences around the globe. It must have something to do with his grasp of reality and his original renderings of storylines that connect us all.
Our conversation with Marco highlights a few definitive characteristics of a modern day visionary with timeless ideas and a serious level of determination. Marco enjoys communicating and sharing the spotlight with his collaborators. He wants everyone who works with him to feel inspired and involved. He creates works that have meaning and are easily embraced by many. Get to know Marco Jemolo through his passions, plans and new friendships.
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Our conversation with Marco highlights a few definitive characteristics of a modern day visionary with timeless ideas and a serious level of determination. Marco enjoys communicating and sharing the spotlight with his collaborators. He wants everyone who works with him to feel inspired and involved. He creates works that have meaning and are easily embraced by many. Get to know Marco Jemolo through his passions, plans and new friendships.
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FRAMED from marco jemolo on Vimeo.
A Jazz Musician's Life in Lockdown & Beyond
Kerry Politzer
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Kerry Politzer is a Portland-based jazz pianist, composer, educator and mom. She is part of the music faculty at Portland State University and University of Portland. It is not surprising that music is the epicenter of her life especially during these difficult days. In recent weeks, Kerry's main activities have included making and sharing music, staying in touch with her students via Zoom and keeping busy with a project to honor some legendary Brazilian jazz musicians. Although making Jell-O and cutting paper numbers or cooking and taking a walk have also been part of the mix. Finding ways to stay optimistic is a commonly shared goal now.
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Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Buy and listen to Kerry Politzer's music who has released six albums. Learn more about this talented musician, how she dealt with lockdown restrictions, and what her plans and wishes are for better days ahead. You may end up baking chocolate chip brownies and listening to jazz and that would be nice, wouldn't it?
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Words... Fire... ACTION... FIGHT NOW!
by Khari Joyner
...Now more than ever, I implore people to make a TRUE bridge between alliance and intersectionality. Fight for the rights of LGBTQ+, women of color, people with disabilities, people who need YOU to join them in alliance to fight the good fight. It’s a long road, a painful one.. but also we are taking strides.. there is a future, a bright future ahead, when we come together like we are doing today, as ironic as it may seem during a global pandemic… we come together to recognize that we FIGHT WITH WORDS. FIGHT WITH FIRE. FIGHT WITH ACTION… FIGHT NOW.
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Photo: courtesy of the artist
My Beautiful People
by Arisa White
We take solace in the words of our spiritual Goddess, Nina Simone who has said, “An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times.”
Take a deep breath and read the reflections of one of our favorite poets, Arisa White.
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Take a deep breath and read the reflections of one of our favorite poets, Arisa White.
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Photo credit: Samantha Florio
Eric Mack
Digital Emotions
...There’s a lot of creativity, a lot of people doing a lot of great things. But even with that there’s a lot of division. From large scale, to the local division, it’s the core, it kind of impedes growth. The focus should be about closing up the gaps. Working on vices is what slows down growth. Division is something we oughta work on.
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Moving on to a larger scale, love, that what I’d like to see. There’s a lot of separation. A lot of division. Love, I know it’s possible. We are all humans. I want to see more open heart and more understanding. It’s not all about the exterior. Skin doesn’t make a difference. I want people trying to come together. Let’s work together. We have to understand each other a little more. It’s definitely possible.
Let’s make it happen!
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Let’s make it happen!
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Finding the Truth Through Writing
Marissa Glover
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Marissa Glover is a creator whose work and words are relevant and meaningful, especially because they are sincere and heartfelt. She is a performance poet, an educator, a mother whose world evolves around love. Marissa is talented and busy with numerous projects but none of her achievements or responsibilities have changed her. She remains humble and kind. She is someone you need to listen to if you are at loss of words over what’s going on around you or in the world at large. Enjoy our conversation with her, and take this opportunity to know Marissa Glover. She offers advice and honest opinions that we all need to pay attention to in order to help ourselves and one another.
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Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Find a comfortable nook or go out in nature and read something worthy. Get to know Marissa Glover, her poetry, and a sneak peak of her world. You will be inspired and motivated. Read here one of her latest poems and be ready for her forthcoming poetry collection "Let Go of the Hands You Hold".
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Counting the Small Joys & Cherishing Every Day
Jihyun Yun
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Jihyun Yun is a poet and a poetic soul. What she writes is important and enjoyable as it flows from a place of honest feelings and true love. Jihyun is the author of an upcoming publication titled "Some Are Always Hungry". She defines her book as “a love song to my mother and my grandmother and all the women before who I passed through to arrive in this world as I am” and that dedication alone merits attention. Jihyun’s poetry will help you have a good day so read her work and get her book the first chance you get.
On this Monday, try to do something nice to help a fellow human being. You'll find it rewarding on many levels. Jihyun Yun concentrates on uplifting fellow late 2019/ 2020 authors who have had their book tours disrupted by the pandemic. |
Whatever battles you are facing, avoid getting stuck in webs of negative energy. Do as Jihyun does and start growing vegetables or start a herb garden instead. Let in the sun and always follow a wise mother’s advice to “be good” each morning. Jihyun Yun's interview and poetry will help you jumpstart your week.
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#NYlights
#NYlights is our series showcasing real New Yorkers who deserve a standing ovation. They are business owners, creators, artists, makers whose realities have turned upside down in recent weeks. Despite the difficult situation and high level of uncertainty, everyone we feature here hopes and does whatever possible to keep the NY Lights on. We need to be reminded of New York's resiliency now more than ever. If you wish to nominate a wonderful New Yorker to be added to our #NYlights, send us a note. Cheers to hope and better days ahead for NYC and the world!
Santo Brúklin
A New Family Owned Restaurant Amidst Shutdown
"Hello. We are Pedro, Naina, and Sara. We are family, friends, transplants, and recently, the new owners of Santo Brúklin. Pedro and Naina grew up as cousins who were more like siblings in Rio de Janeiro and Sara comes from a small town called Sweet Home, Oregon. We met by chance a few years back (Sara & Pedro got married two years ago) and have always had this idea in the back of our minds to open our own bar-restaurant. A few months ago an opportunity came around that we couldn’t resist, and Santo Bruklin was born.
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Santo Brúklin Staff
We opened the same weekend that Governor Cuomo announced the shutdown. We’ve been so fortunate to be welcomed by our new neighbors, and the support from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve been keeping busy and staying focused on the future - whatever it brings. Staying afloat is not without challenges. Although we love each other’s company, we miss the ease of socializing in NYC. The spontaneous plans with friends; crowding into bars to watch the latest Drag Race episode; days spent exploring new parts of the city - these are things we took for granted and things that we underestimated how much we’d miss. Until then, these brief interactions with our new customers are the light at the end of the tunnel. The humanity and compassion we’ve seen over the past 8 weeks have given us hope that our city will come out of this even stronger than before." #NYClights - May 11, 2020
Make a Lemon Tart and Ponder the Bigger Picture
Pastry Chef Nikolas Strangas
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Nicholas Strangas is a passionate dessert chef based in Denmark although originally from Greece. He is an adventurer at heart. He loves experimenting with different ingredients and techniques for some really awesome sweet treats. Maybe getting to know Nicholas Strangas and drooling over his desserts will inspire you to try a new recipe. How about his lemon tart?
Somewhere it's rainy today. It might be cold where you are. Sunny anywhere? Good. Think of a beautiful summer in Mykonos where you may run into Nicholas if things turn back to normal soon. Dream of a trip to Denmark as another great destination and home to Nicholas Strangas. Make the acquaintance of a talented gent who has a great personality and can whip up delicious treats like it's no big deal. |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Choose to be in a dessert state of mind and start the week on a sweet note. Enjoy!
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Greatness...
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...my assignment: how do I understand greatness? What will it take to achieve it? And right now, I don't know. I am a little bit overwhelmed by all the usage of "great" "greater" "greatest" or "greatness". I'm tired of hearing these words. Maybe I've heard them said at the wrong time by the wrong people.
Maybe deep down I know I'll never do anything great and that's why I don't know what to say about 'greatness'. Maybe that's why I can only focus on small things that can be good and helpful. Maybe I'm more interested in relevance rather than greatness in these days of complete uncertainty. The most relevant actors in today's crazy reality are the ones who will pinpoint the connecting dots of greatness in the name of our common humanity. Those who act decisively and selflessly, keeping their cool under mounting pressure, will define greatness. We better take note and follow their lead. Read more... |
Photo credit: Triangle News |
Imagined Realities
Alaba Onajin
Alaba Onajin is one of the artists chosen for the Women in African History Project by UNESCO. The mission of the project is to educate children in Africa and also the world about the brave women who have helped shaped the progress and growth of the continent. What better choice than a young artist who has passion, vision, and tenacity to keep doing what he loves and forget about the nay sayers and negative energy of any kind.
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Anaïs Duplan
You Will Succeed
Photo credit: Yael Malka |
Anaïs Duplan is the type of poet and writer whose works you want to read and re-read until his newest one is published.
Get acquainted with Anaïs Duplan’s work and you will feel like you have a friend who’ll always keep the conversation flow with what’s true and real, intelligent and clear. At this moment Anaïs believes “getting more in touch with your emotions helps you connect with others in more genuine ways. Intimacy is such a magical thing, and then again, it’s so ordinary! If we can get out of the way of it, it happens so naturally.” Read more... |
In Pencil & Paper
Christelle Bilodeau
Christelle Bilodeau’s portfolio includes amazing pencil drawings of some fantastic artists such Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga and many more. Her artistry is undeniable and just take a look at her body of work for an introduction to her talent. Christelle’s portraits reflect a high level of precision, plenty of details and that that little something that captivates the essence of each individual who becomes the subject of her art pieces.
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Amy Winehouse - Before Frank series
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Pencil drawing of Bob Dylan
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Pencil drawing of Lady Gaga
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